Blue Island Letter #16

Leshelle tracting in Posen, Illinois

Thank you all for making my Christmas so great! Thanks to your generosity, my neck is warm and stylish, I smell wonderful, my feet don't hurt so much, my wardrobe gained some much needed color, and my photo wall has been updated with very attractive faces...just to name a small part of Christmas.

More than any of that, I felt your love and support. More valuable than anything else, it's feeling your love that gives color and warmth to my heart.

I LOVED talking to my family! I was even able to see them! Thank goodness for modern technology. I may not know how to use a lot of it, but I know I like what it can do!

Note: if anyone sent me mail to the mission address, it was lost! The two Elders who were delivering Christmas mail and packages somehow lost our letters. They had them in hand in front of our door. But, we were at an appointment. They drove the five minutes down the road to meet up with us. Somewhere in that process, the letters were lost. Who knows where they are. So, if you wrote me a letter and sent it there and you don't hear back from me, that's why. I was so sad!

By the way, that's the only time that the office doesn't forward letters, but has Elders deliver them. It is usually really quite safe to send things there.

Eliuth will return on the 4th. We did get in touch with Ivonne. She was really busy with school finals and projects before Christmas. We have an appointment to see her on Thursday.

We are going to the city today to do a scavenger hunt in downtown for Hermana Haws' last p-day. She goes home on the 4th.

Happy New Year! -- make a resolution for me.

Hermana Hoer

Blue Island Letter #15

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

I am thrilled beyond description to speak with my family in FOUR days! I have been looking forward to it for months. I haven't thought much of it because I didn't want to drive myself crazy. (I am naturally crazy enough). However, I have not been very successful at NOT thinking about it this week. Four days...

I feel so blessed. I received four packages and five letters in one day! My little, dinky tree is loaded with gifts. Thank you all for your love. More than anything that the packages or letters contain, I receive your love; that is the most important part to me. Thank you for thinking of me and loving me.

Being away from family and normal life during the holidays gets me thinking a bit differently. It's been a blessing in disguise. Christmas isn't about gifts or even about ginger-doodles. It isn't about the tree (even though I always make a stink about it). It isn't about carolling or stocking cereal. So, why do we do all that? I've put a bit of thought into the question: why do I miss all that? Why does it matter to me? I think I've come up with an answer.

We create traditions because it is a way to share. Through them we share what Christ is all about: love, companionship, peace, support, comfort, security, and joy.

Thank you to each of you who has sent me parts of traditions - pieces of my heart. Especially Mom. When we separate ourselves from the normal environment, we have a new perspective. I'm able to see with new eyes the meaning behind traditions of the holidays. It truly is about sharing. We share Jesus Christ. We share who He is. We share His qualities.

Jesus Christ gave the greatest gift: Himself. In some way, I hope that we can each do the same for this holiday season, and every day of the year. Give ourselves. He is the reason we are able to experience joy, peace, hope, love. He wants us to experience those things. He wants us to share them.

Lots of Love, and big big hugs!

Leshelle

Blue Island Letter #14

 Leshelle with bell windchime from Nora

 Leshelle being silly with a friend...



FUN STATS - its' been a while since we had some good stats coming from Hermana Hoer:

- number of times I wore earrings this week - 2!!!! (My sisters know what an amazing feat that is for me, but the holiday season did me in and my snowmen earrings were just too fun)
- number of blessings I have counted this week - over three hundred (see below)
- number of times that I had the thought "I really want to hear from_____," and then returned home to find a letter in my mail box from them - twice!
- Nora! Okay, so this is not at all a "stat", but a story. Nora is from Venezuela. We knocked on her door, and I was immediately drawn to her bell collection. It was huge! She later told me that she has over five hundred bells! They are from many countries and cities all over the world. It was amazing! I told her that I also collect bells, and she was just so excited. I tried to refuse when she gave me a bell/wind chime type deal (see picture). A combination of two of my favorite things. Just add a kite and a puzzle and I'm set! I love experiences like that. I was completely mesmerized.

I found the neatest thing in the Ensign the other day. I've since done it once by myself in English and twice with families in Spanish. It is a wonderful thing to do so I am going to share it with you! It is a Gratitude Challenge.  Make a list of one hundred things you are grateful for. Seems daunting to list one hundred things. However, the challenge came with a hint/help: categories!

1. 10 physical abilities
2. 10 material posessions
3. 10 living people
4. 10 people who have passed away
5. 10 things about nature
6. 10 things about today
7. 10 places in the world
8. 10 modern inventions
9. 10 foods
10. 10 things about the Gospel

...for which you are grateful. After I did this the first time, I was more aware of the many, many blessings throughout the day. The effect was awesome! I recognized so many more blessings, from little things to large things, that I had not previously given much attention to. Best of all, my heart was more grateful.

The following comment is my spanish translation, so I won't put it in quotes; however, I must preface it by saying that Henry B. Eyring wrote this - not leshelle:

           We all can choose to give thanks in prayer and ask God that He direct us to serve others in His name, especially in this time of year that we celebrate the birth of the Savior. God the Father gave his Son, and Jesus Christ gave us the Atonement, the greatest of all gifts and offerings.  Giving thanks in prayer permits us to see the magnitude of these and more blessings that we receive, and also to obtain the gift of a more grateful heart.

It is so true! I loved thinking of my many blessings. I've tried to think of new items each time that I have done the Gratitude Challenge. My blessings simply cannot be counted; and, I realized that as I attempt to count them. One hundred blessings doesn't even crack the ice.

I would love to hear about some blessings that you all realize as you go through this list. Please share! I currently have a list of three hundred (plus...shhh, I added several). My lists have become something precious to me, and have given me an even greater blessing: more gratitude, which equates to more happiness, more showing of gratidude, and more giving.

Happy Hholidays from Blue Island!

- Hermana Hoer

Blue Island Letter #13

Yeah, snow. It's getting cold! I had to buy some thermal legging things today. It's crazy cold. 33 degrees and sunny. Yuck. Remind me never to live here (other than my mission). It snowed again yesterday on and off. It was light and fluffy and pretty. So pretty. I love it - if I'm inside with a book and hot chocolate. Not very fun to tract in, which is what we really need to do lately...

Eliuth's baptism date is the 7th of January! And Ivonne also! However, Eliuth has to get baptized in Elgin where she lives. It's out of our area, so we cannot go - and we have a baptism here anyways. However, Eliuth's son will baptize her, and I am so overjoyed about that. SO SWEET!

Eliuth LOVES the gospel. She loves the commandments. She is humbly identifying things that she needs to change in order to be more like Christ. She is excited to pay tithing. We invited her to pay tithing once she's baptized. She immediately said she was going to start now - and she's not waiting to be baptized. The word of wisdom, fasting, fast offerings, scripture reading, praying...etc. She sees the value of it all. She has such a strong testimony and desire to follow Christ, and she KNOWS that the Chruch of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is His Church, and therefore His way to live. I feel very, very blessed - more than I can express - to have seen this amazing woman in the course of her conversion. She inspires me with her faith and willing heart.

Follow-ups from tracting in Harvey: The golden one, Juana (the one who stole my line) told us she didn't have time when we went back for our return appointment. Araceli and Marcos have a Book of Mormon and we have a date to go back next Sunday. We also found a previous investigator family we're working with. Neat people. We'll go back to see them tonight.

I feel I am so blessed with work. Heavenly Father keeps giving us opportunities to teach. He keeps leading us to nice people to talk to. He keeps helping us find investigators.

Love, Leshelle

Blue Island Letter #12

Hermana Hoer

Family and Friends: Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

Following in line with the family tradition, I'm going to share what I'm grateful for!

- the HOER FAMILY!!!!!! I love my family more and more everyday
- scriptures. My scriptures are my best friends
- knowing that Jesus Christ is my Savior
- letters!
- sleeping
- Parking Ticket: $50.00 (I'm grateful I only had to pay half)
- Christmas on Thanksgiving
- playing sports on Thanksgiving (I was voted best cannon in my district...not to brag or anything...okay, that is bragging). I love sports
- horchata. I love horchata
- running in the morning! I love that part of my day
- scarves. It is so stinkin cold over in these parts
- same note: being in a car! (no offense, SuperBike)
- PRAYER
- warm boots
- water. My companion calls me a fish
- pictures of my niephews!!!!

That's not a complete list. But, I don't have any more time. !!I am grateful!! Thank you for your prayers and love. Thank you for your letters. Thank you for you!

It snowed the other morning. So exciting. For me, anyways...! Since then, it's just been plain cold, without the snow. Super cold. It makes tracting for hours pretty difficult to gear up for - physically and emotionally! But, we've been working hard anyways. We've seen some neat things too!

For example, Eliuth -- we invited her to be baptized. She accepted! She doesn't have a date, because she's going to speak with her son (he was just baptized in Utah, in the end of October) to arrange a time when he can be here to baptize her. We're going to set a date on Saturday at our next appointment.

I LOVE this woman. We've taught her for a long time. She LOVES the Book of Mormon, and she LOVES the Church. She has a beautiful testimony of Jesus Christ, and she knows that baptism is a serious commitment - a covenant with God. She is excited about it and excited to prepare herself to be baptized. It feels SO good to be with her. It is wonderful to see someone know they are investigating the church, know she's preparing to be baptized, and know it's the right thing to do. She is an inspiration and a motivation. She didn't want to talk about baptism until she read the entire Book of Mormon. She did, and she understands it. She didn't merely read, she studied. She always has questions for us. She answers our questions with scriptures and Book of Mormon examples. It's BEAUTIFUL!

We also had an investigator fall into our laps one Sunday - at Church of all places. In the second lesson, we invited her to be baptized. She accepted! She'll be baptized the Saturday after her 18th birthday. Her birthday is the first of January, and she'll be baptized the 7th. She is so sweet. She explained her desire to be with God and her family someday, and the blessing of being able to repent. She expressed a desire to feel spiritual conviction more than to know knowledge. We're working on helping her to recognize her testimony, and share it with us in our lessons. She went to church as a child, and knows a great deal about the Church. It's a unique situation teaching. So, we've reorganized a bit so that she's doing more of the teaching - in other words, she can strengthen and recognize her testimony in our lessons. Her desire to feel the Spirit and to be a strength to her family is beautiful.

We went tracting the other night. It was cold, and I got a weird thought in my head. Previous missionaries have said that neighborhood of Harvey is dangerous. I questioned whether or not we should get out of the car. Neither  Hermana Santos or I felt unsafe; so, we got out to knock some doors. Well, we were not able to knock many doors...because we kept teaching! We went three for five! One of the lessons really sticks out to me. Juana let us in. We invited her husband to join us, but he said no. Maybe next time. We began to talk, and she shared a really neat experience about answered prayers. We began teaching the Restoration. We asked for her feelings about a prophet. As much as she believed they were important in the  Bible, she didn't believe there is a prophet now. We kept teaching. When we began to teach about the Book of Mormon, she really lit up when we talked of Christ. She knows He will come, and that we should be preparing ourselves for that time. We shared some scriptures and talked about the Testament of Jesus Christ. Before we could even invite her to read it, she invited herself to read it! She stole our line! I was happy to be robbed.  We have an appointment with her this evening, where we plan to invite her to be baptized. 

The work is moving! I'm seeing it. It is such a blessing. My  heart and mind are completely involved in the work. It's exciting.

Happy Holidays!

~Hermana Hoer

Blue Island Letter #11

Hermana Hoer & friend

Hi!

Well, onto a new chapter of mission life. I have a brand new missionary to train, Hermana Santos. She speaks fluent Spanish, which is a huge help to me.  Santos is a sweet girl and a good communicator. She's really homesick, which breaks my heart for her. She didn't go to the MTC. They did a "mini mtc" at the mission office for a few days, then she came with me. So, that's kind of difficult. We're starting from the bottom. Still, she's a good teacher and listens well to investigators.

This morning we went outside for our work out! WOO HOO!! Santos walked, so I jogged at a walking pace. But, I loved being outside!!! My last comp didn't like to go outside to work out, so this is progress.

I met a missionary named Lishelle Stewart. That was fun. She was as excited as I was that we had the same name (different spelling). She's never met another "Leshelle" before now, either.

Tomorrow for Thanksgiving we have four hours to play sports, and we're getting together with the elders in our district to play volleyball at our building. I'm looking forward to that.

I am so grateful for the place I'm at. I still struggle with all sorts of things. However, I'm more able to focus on the "here" (opposed to the "there") -- focusing on enjoying the "now" and it feels great!

Today marks NINE MONTHS that I've been on my mission!!! 

It's crazy, the training schedule with the new program we are using. I was the "youngest" trainer. I was trained with the new program we're using, and none of the other trainers have been trained by it. I honestly feel really humble to be assigned to train Hermana Santos. Super Humble. I've felt my testimony jump in just the last 24 hours as I now am able to focus more on the work. I feel increased hope and faith, and I expect to see miracles, baptisms, and conversions.

Leshelle

Blue Island Letter #10

Hermana Sosa and Hermana Hoer


Leshelle & friend


Wow! That's all I have to say. Things have continued at a great pace around here. Missionary work continues forward. Just these past three days we have found a few new investigators. Two of them look really promising.

Eliluth, our investigator who owns the taqueria, is learning to speak English right now. Their son's baptism has been big for her, but she still has a big obstacle with her hubby. He's a good man. He's simply worldly.

I'm learning a lot about what being a companion is. There are sacrifices. There are tough things. There are struggles. There are prices to pay. There is communication, humility, love, compassion, empathy, compromise, etc. More important, there are blessings: knowledge, growth, Spirit, strength, testimony, relationship depth, etc. etc. etc. The list goes on and on. This has been a huge blessing for me.

I'm sorry this is so short. I've got a time restraint. !!! We're going to a zone activity today and doing something fun! woo hoo!

Blue Island Letter #9

Alrighty, I have to appologize. I am running really short on time.

I had a very painful experience this week. I cannot share details. However, I can share what I learned: Love is the answer to even the impossible.

I had an impossible situation. Through it, I recognized love sometimes hurts, because if love is honest, we are vulnerable. We are vulnerable because we open our hearts, if it is a humble, true, and pure love. I can't say I've always had that type of love. But, I am developing it. I felt that kind of pure love toward someone; and I felt a consequential pain of showing that love.

The outcome of the experience helped me see that, even in times of intense pain and heartache, Heavenly Father knows we are fantastic. He knows what He's doing. As a result of this experience I feel so blessed to be able to understand even a tiny, itty-bitty reason of what He sent me here to do. I have been miraculously blessed by the outcome of this situation.

Love is ALWAYS worth it, no matter how badly it sometimes hurts. Ultimately, love heals anything and everything. Real love. That's why Christ was able to endure impossible pain and suffering and still be willing. Love heals far beyond our own hearts.

In the end of my situation, love produced a miracle. The impossible, unlikely, "no way will that happen", happened in the end. My heart grew.

Love,
Hermana Hoer

Blue Island Letter #8

Here's the current "jump into Leshelle's brain" time:

I try to imagine myself years from now. What will I see when I think back on my mission? What will come to mind? Who will I think of? What will make me smile to remember?

Thinking back on my life, this morning several memories were brought to my mind. They were not of great accomplishments. I don't hardly ever think of winning the county speech contest, student leadership positions, or first place in Parli-Pro. I don't remember awards I've won or recognition received.

Instead, when I inhaled the crisp morning air, my heart filled as my mind went back to mornings with Rashauna. On our way to school in mornings just like that one, we'd crunch the frozen dirt and look over dew covered fields. The brisk air also reminds me of walking to morning classes in Reno, which was always a peaceful, quiet, and reflective time each morning. I remember cool softball days. I don't remember my classes, or whether or not we won the softball game. I only remember walking and feeling, playing and loving it.

I was flooded with memories this morning. Not one of them was a big, special event. They were all normal, daily activities. Building cities in the sand with Seth's matchbox cars, going for Sunday walks in Roseville, watching baseball games at BYU.

I remember with joy the times in life where I simply enjoyed the journey. Those are memories I love. The accomplishments, the stresses, the recognition, the popularity of the past doesn't even exist. I don't remember the goal or destination; I only remember the journey well traveled.

I remember sitting on rocking chairs in Costa Rica, talking to Rashauna. I don't remember the exotic things we saw or what we got done in the programs. I simply remember the peace and joy of being with her. I remember conversations while driving with Mom. What did we get done? I have no idea! Though, I remember that feeling. Working with Dad, stopping to eat lunch. I don't know what I worked on. But, I remember enjoying that time. Photo shoots with Brans; a road trip years ago with Taraleigh, walking to the store with Taven or pushing baby Riah's stroller in the endless Montana expanse with no destination in mind. Seth running into my room to wake me up in the mornings; waking baby Kaniesha up to play even though she was supposed to be napping. I remember feeling love and comfort with the people that matter most, whether or not we were not doing anything "significant". I don't remember that part of it anyway.

I remember people along the way, not where I was going or what I was aiming for.

I'm not going to remember how many lessons I taught on my mission. I won't remember specific days of success and accomplishment. I won't remember the cool landmarks of Chicago.

Years from now, when I'll look back on my time as a missionary, I will remember moments on my knees in which I knew without a doubt that God was listening. I'll remember Hermana Mackley's laugh. I will remember kids asking me for stickers. I will never fail to feel joy as I recall Monica's letters and random gifts in these months. I will remember the landmarks in my heart. I'll remember the journey well traveled, not the destinations reached.

So, although I don't have many destinations to report, I do have lots of journeys to tell of. I'm trying to better live the journey instead of worry so much about where I'm trying to go.

Blue Island Letter #7

Note from Carolyn: Stan, Seth, Kaniesha and I flew back east this week to visit Brandilyn and family. Our flight included a lay-over in Chicago at Midway Airport! We knew that we couldn't see Leshelle, it's against mission rules, so rather than think too much about missing her, we thought about the advantages of being so near to her for an hour. One of our positive thoughts included being able to see some of the sights from the plane that Leshelle has been to and has written home about. Her blog this week -- she was short of time -- is mostly in response to our email about our lay-over in Chicago.


You saw the Temple!??!?!!? RAD!!!!! Downtown is really close to the lake, isn't it? I miss that area. It's so different here. But, it will be a blast to return some day and tour downtown in a way that I didn't as a missionary. I want to go downtown this Christmas. There are killer decorators here in Chitown, I hear. Maybe my companion and I will go on a city trip in December for P-day and take all sorts of pictures. It'll be freezing and I can bundle up. OOOH...sounds fun!

Hey, guess what? I got a big, puffy, long jacket for FREE yesterday. It isn't super cute, but it will keep me warm! Haha. Someone donated a ton of things for misisonaries and it was all at the Zone Conference. I've heard SEVERAL times that this winter will be a doosie, worse than the past many many years...scary for a California girl. Good thing I love scarves and sweaters. And that I'm in a car.

You saw a huge park near downtown, huh? Could it be a ton of cemeteries all next to each other? That's what we've got around us. Lots of cemeteries. And funeral homes. And funeral processions that have cop escorts so we have to sit at green lights sometimes and watch them all zoom past. I'm not sure why there are so many cemeteries here, but I'm shocked they aren't full yet. It seems like there is always a funeral. Anyway, maybe you saw that. We're just south of the city. Not too far - especially from a plane. It's about a thirty minute drive on a not-too-bad traffic day. The other day, driving up to Zone Conference (north of the city because it was a special meeting with Elder Ellis of the Seventy) took us an hour and a half! Horrible traffic. But, I was able to listen to my AWESOME music from my AWESOME mom!!!!! Thank you. I especially love the one that has spanish music on it. When you have some time, can you scout for more spanish music? It helps me learn a lot. And I really, really like it. It's exciting to understand things and try to figure out what I don't understand.

When we come back to Chicago someday - post mission - we have to go to Tony's Restaurant. Tony and Eliuth want to meet my parents. They are great people. They feed us at least once a week as we teach them. Often we are there more than one time a week. Eluith loves the gospel. Eats it up. We're working on Tony. He's a great guy, but he's always in and out. Though, Eluith tells us he won't talk religion with anyone else. Only us. That's a good sign.

I got a letter this week from Taraleigh, reminding me of the scripture in Doctrine and Covenants 18, about how great will be your joy when you save even one soul in the Kingdom of God:

"And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my father.

"And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto the kingdom of my father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me." D&C 18:15-16

Awesome!

Blue Island Letter #6

I have to be honest...I am low on time and emotional energy. It's been a rough one...

I have a goal: I want to laugh more. I am going to work more diligently to find and appreciate the little joys in life.

That said, I have a special request from you all: I want funny stories. Jokes. Cute things kids said.

It'll cost a stamp and a few minutes of time. You don't even have to write anything else if you don't want or have time. Think of it as donation to a charitable cause: the Laughing Leshelle Organization :)

Blue Island Letter #5

First of all, I have to pass on some wonderful advice. I was talking with my mission president about the companionship of the Spirit. He put it quite simply that one of the greatest keys to having the Spirit's companionship is to be grateful, especially in those "tough to see the blessings" situations. I'll be really honest, I've been in "tough to see the blessings" situations. However, the blessings are always there.

In these past weeks, each time I dug to find the blessings, I hit gold every time. More than gold. Despite battles and hardships, I can honestly say that I have had the companionship of the Spirit more prevalent to me. I didn't connect the dots before; but, as I increased my efforts to search out the blessings and show Heavenly Father my gratitude, the Spirit's influence also increased.

As we find ourselves in difficult situations, look for the hidden treasure. You'll find it, as you express gratitude. Thank Heavenly Father for the gold mines we come across, no matter where we find them. I think some of the greatest gold mines I've come across this past week were very small things: a pair of shoes (thanks Mom and Dad), an invitation to a sticker club (shout out to Taven Duffey), letters of understanding, four cancelled appointments in one night (I'll explain later), and a random hug from a nice lady. Those were some treasures that came to me this week. I also dug to find some treasure in the sunshine, seeing a suburban like Mom's and thinking of memories with her, and searching for opportunities to share some gold with other people. Then, by the end of the week, another gold find: GENERAL CONFERENCE!

Wherever they are, there are treasures to be found. Sometimes I just forget to look. Then, I forget to say thank you. I think the greatest treasure of all these past weeks has been getting on my knees and praying. What a priviledge to talk to Heavenly Father and to be heard. It's become my map for finding all the hidden treasure. He gives me new maps everyday - often several maps at one time.

Let's switch gears and talk baseball. I always understood "three strikes & you're out" in the game of baseball (it's happened to me before, I know -- but, it only ever happened once or twice...) Well, the other day, we got four strikes, then a Grand Slam! That's going to throw sports commentators for a loop! The other night we received a phone call. Appointment cancelled. Backup plan. Cancelled. Next plan. No go. Next...nope, not happening. So........what now? Let's visit this man at the taqueria that the Elders told us about. Arturo. We headed for the taqueria, and found it easily. There was legal parking just across the street, to top it off. Arturo was there, and sat to talk with us. We talked about his life and experiences, and his struggles. We began teaching, but were interrupted several times so that he could tell us he'd like to arrange a ride so that he can go to Church every Sunday, and to plan a regular time that we can come to teach him. The next day, we went to our scheduled appointment with him. He wasn't there; his doctor's appointment had been changed. Tuesday, we strike out again! (so we thought). Our regular appointment cancels, our referral shuts us down, and our phone rings. Arturo. We went to visit him in the hospital, where he opened up to us about his desires to follow Christ; his willingness and desire to change his life in order to do so. He's had so many struggles in the past; yet, he is a man of faith and hope. He's planning to come to Church this Sunday and to be baptized the end of October!

I'm grateful that the Lord's work isn't a game of baseball. Life doesn't have to abide by the same rules. God guided us by our cancelled plans to His far-better-plan. Four strikes was just what we needed, and what Arturo needed. It's easy to get down, thinking that nothing's working out; in reality, EVERYTHING is working out just right. Sometimes we need to swing a few times before we make solid contact.

Maybe that's why I still strike our a lot in Spanish...I'm warming up for a grand slam, right?

Thank you for the letters. I've been lifted and comforted by some unexpected letters. Thank you. I pray that you each find gold mines equal to the ones that you've placed in my hands.

Happy Face :)

Blue Island Letter #4

Well, Headlines in Chicago are going crazy because...

Hermana Hoer and SuperBike united AGAIN!

Just for the day...When we received our email informing us of our assignments to go on exchanges, I nearly jumped for joy when I saw that I would be with Hermana Mackley (my previous companion) in the Loop (my previous area). In other words, I'd be back on my SuperBike!!!

We championed the Riotous Rain and Wicked Wind together for yet another time. Luckily HumidHeat was nowhere to be found - I think SuperBike and I scared him off for a time.

Today, I want to share something I was thinking about the other morning.

Ever since I can remember, Alma 37:6-7 has been a scripture used and quoted often. I've even quoted it - many times. Small and simple things are God's means of bringing about great things.

Alma was talking to his son when he said those well known words. But, what was he referring to? What small and simple things?

In the preceding verses, Alma speaks to his son about the charge of keeping the records (scriptures). They are sacred and are to be kept for great purposes, he tells his son. Then, he tells his son that "they must retain their brightness".

THAT is the small and simple thing that Alma says "many may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass... to bring about his [God's] great and eternal purposes...and bringeth about the salvation of many souls." (Alma 37:6-7)

Yeah, he's right. Keeping the plates (scriptural record) bright and shiny seems somewhat trivial. The scriptures still would have been the scriptures, whether or not they were kept bright. They still would've brought about God's purposes and salvation. But, I doubt Alma would've been Alma. Maybe the eternal purposes for ALMA wouldn't have been as great.

I bet most people would think it's a waste of time - to keep the plates shiny bright. Most would say he's a goody goody; that it was stupid; that it wasn't worth it.

Several times in my life, the small and simple things (that others thought were stupid) have made the eternal, great differences within me. I think, that as Alma shined and protected those places, God shined and refined Alma. As I've done small and simple things, "stupid" little things, to protect and shine the sacred things He's given me, their brillance increases.

What sacred things has He entrusted to me? To you? My body. How I dress may be small and simple to some. How I act, what I say, the looks I give. Seemingly small. The results are great and lasting. What else? My family. How do I treat them? What kind of time do I give to them? do I stop doing dishes to talk to a three year old about his picture? Small and simple. My talents, time on a mission, kids, spouses, callings, scriptures, think of all the things God has entrusted you. What small and simple ways can you keep them bright?

The plates would still be legible if Alma didn't keep them bright. It's not about what God has given - it's about what we do with what we're given from God. What may seem foolish to others may be exactly what is required to receive the greatness God has in store.

Blue Island Letter #3

I'm not sure where to begin. Sorry about the lapse in letters last week.

Blue Island is going well. I think the highlight of my time here is Eliuth. No, it is not because she feeds me every time we visit her (she and her husband own a restaurant...)it's because she is an inspiration. I have met few people who can compare to her desire and her hunger for all that is good. Her energy and love is contagious. I always leave feeling uplifted, no matter how I entered.

She seems to teach me. She asks questions, and we find the answers among the scriptures together. She has incredible faith, and is so in tune with detecting truth. When she finds it, she knows. She doesn't deny it or fight against it. She has this truth-detector that is amazing!

In a very different way than in my last area, I am aware of the contrasts in life around me. Just last night we visited two families, one right after the other. One family spends all of their means - tangible or not - to have Christ in their home, marriage, and family. It is evident in each of those entities, and in their children, their faces, their actions, their words. In everything. It is beautiful.

On the other hand, the next family is full of sadness, yelling, and chaos. It's dark. Depressing. Dreary. They know what they should do; yet, they don't do it. God won't change us without our permission. He just won't. It goes against the principle of agency. But, if we give ourselves to Him, He will change us, shape us, and give us all that our potential implies. Only, though, if we give ourselves to Him. That is exactly what the first family has done. They daily give themselves to Him; in return, His peace, love, and hope are part of the entire family.

That's what I'm working on doing. Giving myself over to God. It's more than giving Him my time. I'm giving all sorts of time right now, as a missionary. It's more than that. It's in my mind and my heart that I need to surrender. Funny how surrenderring is the only thing that truly liberates us, isn't it?

Blue Island Letter #2

Well, I don't have biking stats now that I'm in a car. However, I do have some interesting experiences to share. I visited a Subway which was covered in bullet-proof glass. We had to order through little speaking slots, and receive our food through a strange contraption. The following day, I witnessed a theft at a Walgreen's... Interesing neighborhood welcoming party for Hermana Hoer.

Also welcoming was the new apartment...My first morning was an adventure. Showering.

I turn on hot, followed by cold, until I arrive at my desired temperature. Twist the knob to turn on the shower part. As I look up, waiting for the water to ermerge from the showerhead, I hear a metal clank. My attention diverts to the shower knob. It is lying on the bottom of the tub, under the rushing water that I had been expecting from the showerhead.

I finally get the knob back on and twist and twist and twist. Nada. So, I push really hard and twist. VICTORY! I now have about 30% of the water coming from teh showerhead. Good enough.

I kept trying to turn on more water, because it just wasn't working so well. About the hair-conditioner stage of my shower, I get a Stan Hoer idea. I remove the shower knob and figure out how to work it manually. Success! I now have about 70% of the water. This is enough water for yet another discovery: the showerhead has a mind of its own. Sometimes hot, sometimes cold. Sometimes, both, but not combined. Hot parts and cold parts all at once. Marvelous.

One of the many adventures in the last week. But, it has been a great week! I love the people here. The members of the Church in my new area have tons of kids, and I LOVE it! I didn't have interaction with many kids in my last area. I am in heaven here, with all these awesome kids. They are so cool. Whenever I am around them, I experience a little bit of heaven. I laugh and play. I relax. I enjoy every minute.

I was flipping through some letters and writing Laurie Hoer back. I came across a letter from Taraleigh. She and Laurie had a similar analogy about climbing mountains. It's been on my mind a lot lately.

Sometimes we climb some really tough slopes. But, God knows we can do it. Everyday is a different path. Every week, month, or year is a different mountain. Often, we get really hard ones. We get so tired and frustrated that we just want to quit. However, if we press forward and keep climbing, we hit a vista point. Or, we may even hit the top - the peak of the mountain. Heavenly Father gives us these views, or glimpses, of something so incredible! They cannot be described. They cannot be captured in photographs. They cannot be contained because of the magnitude of their beauty.

Tough climbs are worth it. God has so much in store for each of us, just waiting up the mountain. Keep climbing! Keep looking forward. Know that you can do hard things. Look back at how you've grown after the tough climbs in life. It is so worth it. Every minute. From the moment we embark, to the moment we reach the peak, we are growing - we are becoming someone.

Keep climbing! That's my new motto. (Thank you Taraleigh and Laurie!)

Lots of love,
Hermana Hoer

Blue Island Letter #1

EDITOR'S NOTE: While we wait to hear from Leshelle about her new house address, you can send mail to her at the mission home. I've updated her "Current Mailing Address" located on the right side of the blog under her photo. The missionaries receive mail sent to the mission home just a day or two later than if it were mailed to them directly.



Hermana Hoer and SuperBike go their Separate Ways...

There was a tearful (oh, wait, that was rain...) good-bye via one last ride the evening of the 30th. SuperBike sqealed in agony at the upcoming separation. (Okay, so the brakes got wet and they just make that noise). As Hermana Hoer walked away from her beloved SuperBike, she took one last glance to see it propped against the wall of the basement, and memories flooded back...oh, what a good ride we've had.

But, the good news is I've moved onto Air Conditioning!!!!! How cool is that!?! I am in a car, with AC, heat, a CD player (I don't have to sing, attracting crazy drunks anymore), and a trunk! I don't have to carry everything on my back at all times. Wow. My wardrobe just doubled, and now includes all the things that just didn't work on a bike. I miss SuperBike already; but, I've also reveled in the joys of driving once again. It's been since February - about 6 months - since I really drove.

My new area is in the south side of Chicago. The word everyone uses to describe Blue Island is "ghetto". Perfect, let's send the short, white girl. It's so different from the city where I was. It's spread out more than the city. I am excited to experience something new. I'll miss the city, certainly. However, I think a change was due.

In the past week I have had such a roller coaster of experiences. Through it all, I've come away with such a sure knowledge that God is in control (even, and especially, when I am not). No matter what gets thrown my way, I know that Heavenly Father is on my side. I may feel like I am drowning, but He is there, and He will not let me drown. Never. Sometimes it may feel I'm drowning; but, from His perspective, He sees that I'm moving in the right direction through all the struggling. At times we struggle for just a moment; others, for a while. As I struggle, trusting that He won't let me drown, I always end up somewhere beautiful that only He could have known I was headed for.

One of the most valuable things I did this week was count my blessings. It changed everything. It changed my attitude, my heart, my views, and my circumstance. Somehow, by counting my blessings, I was surrounded by them. I couldn't count them all. From the little things, like sunshine and a six year old's smile, to the great blessings of miraculous protection and more than coincidental help from people, I have so many blessings to count. I always do. I just forget to count them at times.

Thank you for your prayers and letters. I'll get my new address soon. But, for now, the mission address will get to me. I LOVE the Gospel of Jesus Christ. That's the greatest blessing ever possible. That and my family go hand in hand as the first blessing that comes to mind every day. That's why I'm here - so that other people can have the same blessings I do.

Chicago Letter #17

SuperBike and I have a new gig. The Pedalling Performers are taking over the streets of Chicago! The other night, on our way home, I began to sing the strange and random rhymes that came to my mind. Put them to song, right? Makes sense. As I'm singing, I hear backup. In spanish. With a slur. Maybe it's not my companion. Nope. Definitely a drunk man. on a bike. Beer in hand. This is a show we should take on the road (literally). Except, that's not really my priority right now. Maybe someday after the mission.

It worked for a moment, though. I've never heard my companion laugh so genuinely. Or for so long. I seem to make the greatest friends.

I was asked out by a SOBER man the other day - the first time that's happened here. He was quite persistent. However, he (obviously) wasn't the greatest listener - meaning, it would be a bad date even if it happened. Don't worry, it won't.

Yesterday marked six months for Hermana Hoer!!! Can you believe that? Time has flown by. It is such a blessing to be able to look back and see the things I've learned and the ways in which I've grown in these past months. So many wonderful experiences have marked this time. Thank you all for your prayers and your letters. They keep me going. I am sure of it. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

In Church this past Sunday, I heard something that I thought was one of the best pieces of advice ever:

Learn to love your parents. Love them more everyday.

We all have so much to learn from one another. Our parents in particular. They have stories we've never heard. Just think of what you are doing right now - regardless of age or stage in life - and think of how neat it would be to share what you're learning and experiencing with generations to come! Well, if you have the opportunity, ask your parents to share their experiences. Ask them to share their stories. Learn from them. I think we would all be surprised at how much more we can love and learn from our parents and grandparents.

It got me to thinking about my parents. I don't even know where to start. Being away has made me feel closer to them somehow. I have more respect for my dad, having also been a missionary. I recognize with more clarity the impact of my mom's service. I remember both of their stories and lessons in a different light now, as I'm living many of them.

I think part of what I loved about that statement is that love doesn't end. We never stop loving people. Love can always grow. It can always increase. It's a choice to love someone, and to feed that love.

I love you, Mom and Dad!!!!

Chicago Letter #16

Stats:
Most meals in one day: 3 (in only 6 hours)
Number of times we came out of a meeting to find half of my companion's bike gone: 1 - once was enough.

A member of our Bishopric told me at church on Sunday that I am his favorite missionary because I am his height. Though, if we're being honest I think I am taller than him...believe it or not!

Sometimes it is really quite difficult to stay motivated. It's hard to get on a bike every day, ride miles to try to find someone who isn't home...or someone who doesn't want to be found. Not just missions are hard, though. Life is.

I see a pattern in the tough times. They are only tough when I make them tough. There will always be difficult situations. But, that doesn't mean we have to have tough times in life. If we take the difficult situations and learn to laugh, they won't become tough times. If we learn to trust Heavenly Father - really let go and trust Him - we'll see the beauty in even the difficult. That's when we can grow. That's when He can bless us.

My goal for this week is to laugh. Enjoy every day. Look for the good. Laugh at the awkward. Smile at the unkind. When the difficult situations arise, I'm going to keep trying to do my best rather than focus on how hard it is. Make the same goal. Let me know how it goes!

Have a great week!
~Hermana Hoer

Chicago Letter #15

Downtown Chicago



Stats:

- Flat tires: ZERO!!!!! WOO HOO
- Block Parties within ten blocks of our house: 3. Apparently, that's the thing to do in Chicago. Our street is having one this Saturday. Bounce houses, music, tons of food, all sorts of fun. They last all day long.

Of all the enemies I have developed over the last few months, I have one that has become my arch nemesis: HumidHeat. It literally sucks the life out of me! Physically and emotionally. Day after day, HumidHeat tries to get me down. It's awful. SuperBike does everything possible to keep me cool, but SuperBike and HumidHeat are a near even match up...I keep reminding myself that I'm over half way through the summer time. I think.

I have a new idea. I could make great money marketing an exercise program here in Chicago. It's centered on bike riding. However, this is no ordinary bike riding. It's somewhat like those resistance pools that you can swim in place: it provides the resistance to get a workout. The wind here in Chicago is like the water resistance in the opposite direction (somehow it is always working against me...how is that??? It's the same as the story "I walked up hill both ways"). Anyway...there are some differences. For instance, you won't swim in refreshing water, but in your own sweat. Oh! and, I didn't want another workout. That's a key difference.

I learned something really neat this week about trusting Heavenly Father. Both my companion and I felt really strongly that we should go to a certain area one day. We did. We were there for a few hours, and worked hard. We had a lot of nothing going on for the entire time. Literally - hours of going and feeling as though we were accomplishing absolutely nothing. As far as I could see at the moment, we didn't accomplish anything.

However, now I know that we did accomplish something. I don't know what it was. I don't know for whom, or in what way. As we biked away, I thought to myself: "I know we did what we went to do. I don't have any proof of that, because I didn't see any good in our time there. Yet, I know that we did something worthwhile."

I think a lot of our lives are that way. We go, do, act...and we see no results. Days, weeks, months or years later, we may see results. Later, we may still be clueless as to why we felt we should go somewhere or do something. Regardless of whether or not we know why, Heavenly Father does know why. I've always known that God knows more than I do. But, this experience was a bit different. I also knew that I had done something good that day, in that time, in that place - yet I saw no evidence of it. The key is faith. The faith that I was of use to Heavenly Father - regardless of what I saw - changed my attitude before, during, and after.

Have faith, regardless of what you see or do not see, that you are an instrument in God's hands. It gives life a little more meaning in the times that we think are lulls.

Chicago Letter #14

STATS:

~ Number of flats: 3 (sounds like last week...I got three flats in two days! I am happy to say, though, that I laughed through it all!) To date, for the month, I have had 6 flats (that's 6 in two weeks!)
~ Number of abosolutely GORGEOUS days: 2!!! It made bike riding the most joyous experience! I loved being on a bike and being outside in that weather. It is Leshelle's favorite type of weather: warm, sunny, with a cool, fresh breeze. Today, however, is hot and storming...not Leshelle's favorite. But, I just keep thinking of the past days.
~ broken bakcpacks: 1 (same day as my double flat)

SuperBike Back!

I was innocently biking in the beautiful weather to our friend, Irma's, house. We turned onto Damen, following a garbage truck (not the most pleasant thing to do). The garbage truck drove over a few bumps, sending loads of nasty liquid onto the road in front of me. But SuperBike saved the day! I was able to avoid the soggy, diaper-moldy, fruity -who knows what else- liquid spewing from the back of the truck. Thank goodness SuperBike is back!

I've experienced a lot of mini miracles this week, such as my Sunday flat (yes, there are enough flats this month to have names). I heard air leaking out of my tire about 3 miles from our destination and 3 1/2 miles from home. I kept thinking, I really hope that's not a flat! Well, we got to our appointment perfectly fine. When we got out of the appointment, I had a serious flat. But, we were only 1/2 mile from home and at the end of our day.

I've had lots of little experiences like that. They've helped me see how Heavenly Father watches out for us more than we realize. I think there are many more of those mini miracles that I don't even see, every single day.

Even when we think we're lost in a tough situation, Heavenly Father is pointing us. It's like in Ether, as the people are pushed about BY THE WAVES to the promised land. I bet in the moment, they thought they were being tossed about aimlessly. But, in a few places in Ether, it speaks of being blown by the winds and waves towards the promised land. A lot of the waves I've experienced lately truly have pushed me closer to the desires of my heart that only Heavenly Father knows, even though I thought I was merely being tossed around at the time.

Chicago Letter #13

STATISTICS for the week:

- Number of flat tires: 3
All three were in the same day, on the same bike...it was a terrific day. On the third flat, I stopped, took a breath, laughed, and sat on the curb. I thought to myself "where is this supposed to take me???" My companion laughed as I asked 'What would Dora do?' Calleigh and I watched Dora a time or two, and I thought back to the good ole days. Backpack! That's what Dora would do - she'd go to her backpack and look for something useful. I did just that. Let's see...hmm....a Bible, a Libro de Mormon, and a spare one, writing utensils, a wallet, a water bottle, mints...well, looks like the only useful thing at the moment is a wallet, and I should just go get a new tube for my tire. We did, even though they over charged me big time.
- Number of days that were uncomfortably, ridiculously humid: 8/7
(the 8th day gets spread over the others - that's how bad it is)
- Toe Nail cutting sessions of 100 year old women: 1 - (1 more than enough)
We were visiting a member of our ward, who takes care of her mother. They know she's over 100, but no one knows her exact age or even her birthday. She's a bit crazy, or maybe just childlike (those with children may argue the two are sometimes one in the same...). When we got there, she asked us to cut her toenails. I played the "I'm new and don't speak Spanish" card. My companion, however, did it. Those were some of the nastiest toe nails I've ever seen. What a champ!
- Average speed: SLOW
Turns out the Purple Pedal wasn't all I'd hoped it would be. More of a Purple Pansy if you ask me...It's a kid bike and doesn't go very fast. I pedal and I pedal with all the strength I can summon, and then I get passed by an old guy with a cane. No joke. I keep a steady pace of a really intense power walk. Maybe the slowest jog.
I've decided it is a test of patience. I think I've failed a few times on that test this week. Good thing I don't have a report card...that would be embarrassing. But...

Headlines:

SUPERBIKE BACK FROM THE DEAD???

Yep, it's true! I filed a suit against the Purple Pedal for false advertisement, and I won! I took the mutilated corpse of my dear SuperBike to a friend, who said he could help. The previous bike shop would charge me $200. My friend was able to do it for only $67!!!!! He was able to use old parts - wrong color, but that just adds a whole new element of character - and worked all he could to save me some money. How awesome is that?!?!? So...SuperBike is BACK! (well, as of Thrusday, tomorrow) I am so excited!

This week has been one of adventures and lots of challenges. But, all of my experiences have led me to think about a lot of things. In reading the most recent General Conference talks, I came across something that really stuck out to me. "The greatest joy we receive in this life is in following the Savior" - L. Tom Perry. I know that is so true! There is no other way to receive pure joy than by following the Savior. There is simply no other way. There are other types of happiness, but they are not the same joy that we receive as we follow Jesus Christ.

It is not always easy to follow Christ. Sometimes it requires sacrifice. But, according to the definition of sacrifice, we give up something valuable for something more valuable. In other words, it is always worth it. By following Christ, no matter the cost, I have received so much joy - the kind that cannot be explained, but only experienced. When we truly desire to follow Christ, we can! No matter how hard it is: "It is our actions and our desires that cause us to become something" as Dallin H. Oaks said. These types of things don't usually happen overnight. They take time, and effort, and sometimes pain along the way. When we trust Him, he leads us through all of it - even if we can't see the steps in front of us.

Trust Him. Follow Him. Then experience the joy

Chicago Letter #12

Hermana Hoer & Hermana Mackley biking in the rain in downtown Chicago, Illinois.



Chicago Headlines:

SUPERBIKE GONE FOR GOOD!

Memorial services for SuperBike will be held on Friday, the 15th of July 2011. They will be held in the alley, next to the dumpster of 3455 W. Parker. SuperBike will be missed, and the city of Chicago will never be the same (because I have to ride a little dinky PurplePedal from now on...I'll survive). SuperBike suffered and squeaked - and looks as though it was hit by an SUV...I hope that the PurplePedal will serve Chicago as the timeless hero, SuperBike has.

STATS:

~Number of semis stuck under an overpass: 1 (one was enough - the driver got the whole cab and about 6 feet of his trailer stuck really well. The street was blocked off, with all sorts of officers and equipment - thank goodness bikes could still get through)
~ Hottest day: 96 degrees, or the day with 93 degrees and 60% humidity...yuck
~Number of trees that fell down in Chicago as a result of a ten minute storm: I can't count them all, there were too many. However...
~ Number of cars crunched in front of our apartment by one part of a tree: 3 (glad I don't have a car)
~ Most miles in one day: 16
~ Longest one way trip: 7.5 miles (on the day with 60% humidity and 93 degrees...I won't comment any more on that because I don't want to remember it)

My companion read me a quote from a General Conference talk this week. Elder Ballard quoted a woman in his talk, and she said: "I wish I had treasured the 'doing' a little bit more, and the 'getting it done' a little bit less."

I have thought a lot about that in the past week. It covers thoughts I have had for more than the past week, and feelings I've had for a long time. I don't want to look back on my life and feel that way. I don't want to look back on my mission and wish I had lived it more. At times, it's hard when I'm sweaty, hot, tired, sore, and hungry to enjoy what I am doing. But, at the end of the day, I cool off, relax, and eat, and then what do I have left? I have memories. Are they happy ones? Did I laugh at the crazy things that happened? Or, are they bitter memories? Empty ones?

We are not going to control our lives completely. However, we will control what we get out of life - on the small scale and large scale. Whether we're talking about what we get out of today, or what we get out of the past decade, it really is up to us. We can choose to love life and live where we are. Or, we can focus on the past or the future, sacrificing the experience of small, daily treasures.

I thought of Mosiah 3:19. I love that scripture for so many reasons. Today, it took on something different. Mosiah 3:19 speaks of becoming as a child: being humble and submissive. Something else kids are really good at is living. They live. They love. They enjoy. They experience. They live the ups and downs to the fullest, and keep the ups. I want to be more childlike in that way - so that when I look back on this day, this month, this mission, this year, this life, I can say I lived life. I can say, look at all I've taken from this. Look at all the wonderful things I experienced. I want to live life so that I look back and smile.

Don't miss out on the small things. Live every day. Experience every day.

Chicago Letter #11

Hermana Hoer doing her daily studying...

The day after I last wrote, we had the CRAZIEST hail I have ever experienced. I later learned that our area got the lesser part of the storm. The next day, I saw cars with dents all over them. They were in the worse part, down further south in the city city. It was miraculous. It came out of nowhere. One minute, we were sweating, just walking in the shade. Ten minutes later, the sky turns black and golf-balls of hail rocket to the ground. They were bouncing a good 6 inches to a foot off the ground. They hit so hard. And they were HUGE. It lasted about ten minutes - strait hail. It was so loud. Fortunately, our church building is raised above ground, and the parking lot is beneath it. So, we stayed in the parking lot and just watched with my jaw dropping. I assumed it was not unheard of in Chicago. Yet, the woman we were with told me that in her whole life (23 years) in Chicago, she has never seen something like that. It was amazing. It makes me think of how small we really are, and that we are not the ones in control.

Speaking of loud noises...here are some fun stats

- Number of days this week fireworks were going off: 7 It must be 4th of July or something...
Here in Chicago, the (well I think they're legal) legitimate fireworks aren't illegal like they are in CA (everything fire-related is illegal out there, though). So, fireworks - the big ones that go down in a show - were going off this entire month. As we got closer to the 4th, they became more frequent. The night of the 3rd, they were going off so much and with such power/noise, that they set off several car alarms. Fireworks + Car alarms = not sleeping well. So you'd think. When I ride a bike several miles a day, I sleep through anything now days.
- Number of times someone told me I look exaclty like their niece: 2 (both were Puerto Rican - apparently I look like Puerto Rican women named Estrella and Olga)
- Number of Proposals: 0 YAY! (My father gave me some good advice for next time I receive one - I'll just tell them my batting average...that should do it.)
- average miles biked per day: 7.5
- most miles biked in one day: 15! My legs are rocks! They haven't been like that since I was catching on my high school softball team!

I'll be honest, SuperBike and I are kind of getting over a fight. Everytime SuperBike is around, I have to bike somewhere in the heat. So, I don't want to talk about SuperBike. Don't worry - it's still Super. My attitude isn't though... :)

I know I talked about these things last week; but, I am going to talk about them again. Sometimes I look around me and think the world is coming to an end, because things in it are so horrible. However, despite the madness, and the awful status of some things in the world, I don't fear. I've been reading through Ether and thinking about the paralells around me. I got to something that hit me really powerfully: Ether 12:4

"Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of god, which hope, cometh of faith, maketh and anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God."

Ether just finished telling of the AWFUL things going on around him. He was alone, in so many ways. Yet, he can say that! Here in Chicago, it seems to me that what sticks out everyday is all that is awful, crude, animal, disgusting. It sticks out without looking for it. I kept thinking of it as I read Ether.

I - with a surety - hope for a better world, even at the right hand of God. My soul is anchored by hope and faith. I will be steadfast and sure, abounding in good works, glorifying God. I know where my roots are and what they hold me to.

I'm not the only one that can say that. You can too. Read Ether 12:9

-Hermana Hoer

Chicago Letter #10

This photo is taken after taking cover from the rain...the wet hair is from the rain being blown in their cover area!

Hermana Hoer and her little friend! Spending time with kids...a highlight of the mission!

I want to write something important first. I always write the joking - well, true, but funny - things; but, then I'm always pressed for time writing what really matters. That's dumb. So, I'll prioritize today. Prioritizing correctly = Ten points for Leshelle.

There is a whole lot of garbage in the world. It sticks out. Actually, here in the city, it blends in to a certain extent. It's that prevalent. Everyday, I see poverty on an intense level. I didn't expect to confront so much of that, being in the US. It is a serious problem here. Though, I've seen poverty. I've seen people living in huts made of metal roofing material, with dirt floor. I've seen people beg. I see that here also; but, I see a poverty that is far worse. There is a moral, spiritual poverty here. There is a void of goodness and love. It is horrible. I go into homes and see how people treat their children. I see selfishness and pride come before love and service. I don't know how to correctly convey what I see and how it makes me feel. It gets me down, to put it lightly.

It is so easy to focus on all that is lacking, and to become depressed by it. To be saddened by the lack of quality in people's lives. I ask myself, so, what can I do?

I know that I cannot remove that poverty. I cannot change that. I am just one person. But, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, that I share with people, can change a lot. In nearly all situations, it will not change a family's financial status. It won't give everyone a job. It will not provide a nice house to live in. However, it will provide the means to create a peaceful home, no matter what type of dwelling they live in. It will provide means to cope with financial issues. It will give meaning to life which was dull before. It is all about who we are, not what we have.

Ether 3:5
"We know thou art able to show forth great power, which looks small unto the understanding of men"

The things the Gospel can offer people don't really look big, judging by the daily difficulties. But, what Heavenly Father has to offer us to improve our lives is so much greater than what the world has to offer us. Maybe it doesn't seem big; but, I guarantee it's huge.

STATS:
- Kisses: 2 (one was a four year old, and the other a grandfather of a man who kissed my forehead)
- average miles biked per day: 7.5
- most miles biked in one day: 16
- favorite activity this week: making s'mores in our kitchen
- marriage proposals: 2 (one was more of a demand, the other was quickly followed by advice to never marry...) Don't worry, I accepted neither.

A man, slightly intoxicated, informed me of why Chicago is better than California (he was trying to compare cities, and I didn't have the heart to tell him that California is not really a city). Why is Chicago the best city in the States??? Let me tell you what he told me: you can get EVERY kind of chocolate in chicago: kit kat, butterfinger, twix...yup, Chicago's got one up on everybody else...

SuperBike was pretty chill this week. No more monsoons. Though, traffic evasion equipment came in handy. There is some sort of Puerto Rican festivities that lasted over a week. No one can tell me what for, not even my Puerto Rican friend. She was not sure specifically, other than it's a celebration. It was so crazy around Humbold Park that there were traffic directors at ever light. But, SuperBike got me around all of it! I'm going to have a tough time when I have to drive a car someday...

Thanks for the prayers and love and letters! Keep them coming!!!

Chicago Letter #9

Just the other day, I was playing the movie Princess Bride in my mind (not really, but saying so adds to the character of my story). Westley is parading courageously (pridefully, if you ask me) through the fireswamp, and sweet, helpless Buttercup says "What about ROUSs???" To which, Westley replies " Rodents of unusual size? I don't believe they exist."

Well, sweet Westley, Hermana Hoer has news for you. Go to Chicago! They're real! They're big. They're gross. They creap around our alley at night and in the yard during a lesson...As the sun goes down, the ROUSs emerge to wreak havok on the innocent missionaries!

Seriously. There are some ridiculously large, nasty rats around this city.

Headlines:

"Villains are teaming up and on a RAMPAGE!"

We were leaving an appointment last night. It was just before 9pm. It was hot. Muggy. HumidHeat was out terrorizing the city. HumidHeat invited FerociousFriz to drive me crazy. (There is some photo documentation which I may or may not release to the Blog press. We'll have to see about that). FerociousFriz is still on the loose, but SuperBike doesn't have anything to fight that. The helmet is my friend for protection, but not a friend for those who look at my hair...

Anyways...it's 9, and we're headed for home. It's still a little light - the sun is just going down. We get to an intersection. In literally no more than a minute, the strongest wind picks up and the water begins to dump from the sky. The rain is nearly horizontal, with large amounts of water being swirled across the intersection like a river. I've seen some weird, crazy weather in Chicago. However, this was unquestionably the worst yet. I couldn't ride my bike. The wind nearly knocked me off several times. We took shelter under some construction scaffolding. SuperBike was knocked over by WickedWind, and took a good beating. It messed up the brakes and disconnected the chain. The wind was that crazy! It was monsoon-style!

However, the locals say: if you don't like the weather in Chicago - wait five minues. We waited 15, but then we were able to get home safely. A bit wet. But, as we went home, it was hot again. The image in the mirror was hilarious. The helmet kept the top half of my hair in check. However...the bottom half had become a fro. It was so funny.

Stats for the week:

- # of times people changed sides of the street (while walking) to avoid us: 5 that I counted
- Puerto Rican flags on streets, cars, homes, etc: thousands this week
- Crazy woman dancing, waving flag, who wouldn't let go of my hand when I shook hers: 1, but that was more than enough.

Not a ton of statistics this week. We'll try to get SuperBike back to normal and see what happens this coming week.

We had Zone Conference this week. For those who don't know about it, you're asked to prepare a talk (everyone is) and about five or so people are asked on the spot to speak. Hermana Hoer was one of the five. But it was great! We talked about small and simple things, from Alma 37:6-7. I thought a lot about what are the small and simple things for me personally. Willingness, dilligence, attitude, obedience. Those are not easy to develop though. So, how are they small and simple things? Well, let me tell you what I think. (If you don't want to know what I think, this is where I suggest you stop reading).

Each and every day we have small and simple opportunities, small and simple decisions. It is in each of those small and simple moments that we have the choice to be obedient, happy, committed, etc. Each of those small decisions builds us, develops us. In each of those simple ways, God molds us. As we apply those small and simple things in the small and simple moments of life, they become large, intricately woven parts of who we are. They work together to create a better version of ourselves. But that doesn't happen overnight. It happens through each and every small and simple decision that we face every moment.

As we give the deserved importance to those small, simple moments in life each day, we are allowing Heavenly Father to shape us into what He knows we can become.

Chicago Letter #8

Howdy, friends and family.

Thank you for letters, prayers, and support. It all means a great deal to me.

Statistics: (These are the fun friends I've made this week)

Bearded women: 3
women with chest hair: 1
Mustached women (I mean seriously stached): 2
Drunkards: 4
People pretending to be private investigators: 1

So, the most significant thing I've learned this week is the critical importance of who you surround yourself with, as companions of any sort. When you can choose, choose wisely. Be with people who are going to uplift you, encourage you, and bring out the best in you. Be with people who will help you reach your goals, not distract you from it. If your goal is to always be Christ-focused, then be with people who work for the same thing, and people who will help you accomplish that goal.

In the end, be the person you want to be with. Love everyone, no matter what.

I love you all! Be good. Remember who you are (a child of God - and treat yourself accordingly).

Love, Leshelle

Chicago Letter #7

SuperBike is BACK!!!

SuperBike has returned to Chicago, fully equipped with the up-to-date crater (aka pothole) evation system. Thus, a few of the following statistics are no longer a danger to Hermana Hoer and her new counterpart, Hermana Mackley, now that SuperBike is back!

STATS
- days this week that I began to melt: 7
- days this week that my feet were swollen: 7
- times (on average) I have to circle to find a parking spot: 4
- Likelihood of running into a gnarly, make you cringe pothole: 110% (regardless of length of trip or destination)

Another hazard that would have been avoided, had SuperBike been freed from the dungeon just days earlier: StallionSpeed Strikes Again! I innocently approached the intersection at Pulaski and Irving Park...Turned, slowly, cautiously...SCREEECH. Everyone thinks that a white stallion rides in, with the hero, to save the damsel in distress. Well, for starters, I wasn't distressed, nor am I a damsel (not on my to-be list either). WRONG! The StallionSpeed did not save anything (except for the paint that he took off of my car). Beware of StallionSpeed. Not to worry, SuperBike is back in business! (and I'm sure I'll feel the evidence in my legs tomorrow).

Now, to deal with the daily enemies: CrazyCabbies and ChicagoCopCars. They keep me on my toes (figuratively, not literally)

I've also developed a strange addiction to Hot Tamales. This cursed sweet tooth of mine (inherited from my sweet mother)

Onto the real stuff: Well, all the above is real, but not very significant.

I'll be frank and honest, I have had a very difficult first transfer in the mission. However, I know that it was no accident or coincidence that I was here and experienced those things. I know that Heavenly Father has a plan for us - not just as human kind, but for each individual person. I know that He looks out for me, helps and guides me. A common theme in my mission thus far is that the help from Him comes in various ways -most ways are tough to identify. Just trust Him. Do all you can and then, be still and trust. (D&C 123:17 and 101:16)

I love you all!

Hermana hoer

I have a new missionary companion, but I'm at the same address.

Chicago Letter #6

I've thought a lot about Nephi. In 1 Nephi 4, he tells the story of going back to Jerusalem and finding Laban. That must have been scary. And difficult. And intimidating. And seemingly impossible. Heavenly Father knew how Nephi felt. He knew Nephi felt inadequate, scared, terrified, nervous. But, I noticed that in chapter 4, there are several points when Nephi says he remembered something, thought something, or the Spirit told him something. Through all of the challenges he experienced, Nephi remembered his own testimony. He remembered that Heavenly Father knows how we feel, and He will help us do hard things. He will. I keep telling myself that. Actually, I need to tell myself again right now. Heavenly Father will help me do hard things. In the end, Nephi is obedient. He did something hard, because he had help. I know He'll do the same for me. I know He knows how I feel - maybe even better than I do. He knows. If we let Him help us, He will.

Please keep praying for me - and for my missionary companion. I know that helps. I know it.

Sorry so short this week. Not much time to write today. Thank you for your love and prayers.

Hermana Hoer

PS -- We're still on bike rest for at least another week. SuperBike is probably going crazy. He's been chained in the dungeon for nearly two weeks now.

Chicago Letter #5

Weekly Updates:

- Strangest thing I ate this week: cactus salad. Not too shabby. It was bland and rubbery.

- Number of times the smoke detector went off: twice. For the record, neither time was my fault...

- Number of times I rode a bike this week: ZERO!!!! It was so strange. Which leads me to the Adventures of SuperBike...

This week brought perilous, dangerous, treacherous events all because SuperBike was locked in the basement!

Newspaper headlines: Catastrophe Strikes Chicago! Where is SuperBike!?!?!?

Early Friday morning, my companion was sucked into a hospital vortex, where a knife ripped through her toe and sanded off a bone spur! She's been immobilzed, confined to a couch for at least a week, per orders of the Evil Dr. Guziac's. If only SuperBike had been able to escape the basement...VillainVicodinVomit attacked my companion for two days. I was on bowl duty. (Side note: I've never been so proud of myself. I hate vomit. And I was a champ!)

Just today, as Hermana Hoer sat innocently writing her dear grandparents, her eyes began to burn and her lungs to constrict. GermanPancakePoison filled the air in smoke form. The toxic substance had hit the oven floor and immediately morphed into smoke, which quickly filled the entire apartment. SuperBike's pre-smoke detector would have been handy. But where is SuperBike???

(The adventures of SuperBike to be continued...)

At one home, we sat in a small, car-sized room, which was an incredibly and undesireably hot temperature - for nearly two hours! I was about to burst out of the room screaming "I can't take this". However, I kept my cool (not physically, obviously, because my whole complaint of this situation is how hot I was - but mentally). I just kept telling myself that self-control must be developed, somehow.

Don't worry. All ended well. They sent us away with a gift: personal sized spam.

Okay, on a more serious note:

An elder called this week to appologize for a comment he had made, in a joking manner. I had thought nothing of his comment, and took it as no more than a joke. He taught me something.

The small things matter a lot if we're listening. But they don't even cross our mind when we're consumed in ourselves. I've thought a lot about humility. There have been times when I am very acutely aware of small things that I need to fix or to change. But, as I focus on me, and making myself look good, I miss opportunities to grow by changing.

Be thou humble. Saying sorry is a good thing. Even for the little things.

Have a good week!

Hermana Hoer

Chicago Letter #4

Highlights (okay, so some are not so high...but they are entertaining):

- We moved!!! We were assisted by other missionaries. Only one piece of furniture perished in the move up three flights of stairs. We took a door off to get our couch out (Dad, you'd be so proud of me - 6 Elders couldn't figure it out - Growing up with you made me look like a genius!) We no longer live on a slant - our old apartment was visibly slanted in the kitchen and bathroom. Water pooled on one corner of the sink it was so slanted. And this apartment doesn't have "surprises", like the surprises left right out our back door from our other landlord's dogs!

- Our new neighbors are students. They are very kind. Though, I've determined that they study more than academics. Our back stairway smells of a substance that is not quite legal...

- We acquired a wheelchair. Our Zone Leaders love to leave little gifts for us. This week just so happened to be a wheelchair. In our shower. They snuck it in as they "helped" us move. Alterior motives? I think so. However, we may just have a use for it. My companion is having a surgery on her foot this week. (We'll have a car for a week or two!)

- Adventures of SuperBike:

SuperBike saved my life this week! HumidHeat decided to leave town. Of course he did, because another EnemyElement showed up: WickedWind, complete with Freeze-your-Face guns. FrigidWind is a distant cousin. They took turns this week destroying my hair, biting my face, and convincing my skirt that it wanted to sit in my lap as I rode my bike. Ladylike, no? WickedWind tryied to make me look bad. I'm one step ahead with shorts and leggings. I may not be a Boyscout, but I am always prepared.

Humid to freezing wind? I've concluded that Chicago suffers from a severe case of Bipolar Weatherism. I am not licensed to diagnose; but, I have a strong hunch. It's uncommon, but not rare, so beware wherever you are.

Saliva was the other attacker of the week. On two different instances, it was propelled at me. Thank goodness for SuperBike - I was faster than the spitting skills of some kids who (I have decided to tell myself) were having a spitting contest. My companion was on a normal bike and her face received a hit. Boy, am I glad my SuperBike chose me as soon as I entered Chicago... However, a cup of pre-chewed sunflower seeds was not detected on my SuperBike radar. (I'm having it installed when we have a car next week). My companion cut off a van, which must have a sunflower seed throwing device. The sunflower seeds came out the window, aimed for my companion. However...WickedWind seized the opportunity to attack! The seeds were blown in my direction and coated my coat.

All ended well. I carry sanitizer.

So, on to the what I learned this week. It is not all that different from last week. I was doing some reading and Charity caught my attention. I've done a lot of studying. If I had my scriptures with me (sorry, they were really heavy to carry both languages...) I would write it down. Somewhere in Corinthians (I think) is my favorite chapter on Charity. Chapter 11 or 13 of 1st or 2nd Corinthinans (goosechase, anyone?)

It talks about all the things that Charity is greater than. Charity endures forever, even after all other things fade or stop. Charity never stops. So, no matter how many talents I have, abilities I have, sacrifices I make, words I say, powers I have (even SuperBike powers), nothing is going to matter if I don't have charity.

That really hit me. I try to develop talents and abilities, serve other people, and do all sorts of things, but none of it is really going to matter if I don't have a foundation built of the love of Christ, which is exactly what charity is.

As I strive to love as Christ did, Charity will be at the root of all things I do. It will direct my life and actions, words and thoughts. I will not have to wonder if I'm going in the right direction when I am built on Christ's love, because "charity never faileth".

If you'd like to join me, I've decided to focus on developing charity before anything else. I have a hunch: as I develop and focus on charity, I'll find that I am also developing many other things along the way. Let me know how it goes for you!

Love to everybody! Be good! Remember who you are!

Chicago Letter #3

Hi everyone!

Bike adventures of Hermana Hoer have just taken a turn with the arrival of an unexpected guest: HumidHeat, the arch nemesis of mission bikes.

HumidHeat stalks around, awaiting the departure of unsuspecting missionaries. Of course, he comes in the night - he's too ashamed to make his debut in the light of day. His superpowers are definitely super.

A great battle began this morning as I rode over a bridge (even at 8 am, he's out, fighting against good); I was tempted to ride right off the side - bike, skirt, helmet and all. To convey the severity of this desperation, I must inform you that this bridge was over a small, muggy wanna be river. Dirty? Unquestionably, yes. Full of invitations for diseases? Yup. Likelihood of attracting some sort of fungus by entering? I'd say somewhere close to 99%.

Thank goodness my bike is a SuperBike. I may have been in serious trouble this morning.

The Adventures of SuperBike: to be continued...

Here are some more statistics for you (don't worry, these don't have to do with bacteria and dirty water):

-number of times proposed to in one day: 3

My response to the question: are you married? engaged? divorced? is this: I am anxiously engaged in the Lord's work, thanks for asking.

- percentage of homes that give me soda: 99.99%

(Trent, I did such a good job quitting before I left. Now, I'm going to come back and show you up! Watch out, bro!)

Highlight of the week: TALKING TO MY FAMILY!!!! I was able to speak to every member of my immediate family on Mother's Day! It came at perfect timing, when I needed a little push from home and family. It's hard work; and, in addition to that, I came into a pretty tough situation. I'm facing all sorts of things I never expected would be issues on a mission. Some love from home was just the remedy for my weary motivation.

The day after I talked with my family, with my renewed attitude, we went apartment hunting. We found an awesome apartment. The only downside will be carrying my bike up and down three floors. We ended up there at the same time a man was painting and doing some minor repairs. He is not the manager or owner, but he was the one we happened upon. He showed us around and Hermana Maughan got on the phone with the mission office. As she spoke with them, I talked with Ramon. He's from Colombia and doesn't speak English. He asked some questions about missions and our religion, Church and such. I invited him to our English classes and to Church on Sunday. To which he said he wants to go. We ended up teaching him and setting up a time to return to teach him again. He asked if he could invite his roommate too! As we left, he told us it was not a coincidence that we showed up then.

An apartment and a new investigator all at the same time! That's what you call killing two birds with one stone (except there is no intention to be killing anything, and I'm not literally throwing anything).

I've thought a lot about attitude this week. My two favorite examples are from 1 Nephi: Laman and Lemuel and Nephi. They all did the same things. In the end, each did what was asked of them. However, their attitudes compared to Nephi's are dramatically different. The people they became are dramatically different, even though they experienced nearly all the same events.

The other example is in Alma chapter 58. In a war, these people are short on food and supplies for their battles. I'm sure they are tired and hungry and plain worn out. What do they do??? They pray for help. They receive help - but it doesn't come in the form of supplies, food, weapons, or anything like that. They receive motivation, faith, hope and strength from within.

Sometimes answers to prayers in our time of need are as simple as the encouragement to change our attitude, or an increase of internal motivation and optimism. That's how my week went. That's what I really needed, even though I thought I needed something entirely different. I also received opportunities to put those needed changes into action.

Be thankful that God gives us the opportunity to struggle at times and to experience the things we learn. The growth at the end is a blessing, any day. Prayers are answered in all forms - look for your answers.

I love you all. Thanks for letters. They make every day a good day!

Hermana Hoer